I'll soon be needing a new roll aboard and I've seen many pilots with a metal framed model. I've used a Travelpro for the last six years (not crew but 60,000 to 100,000 space-A miles per year). They're officially called the "Stealth Pilot Bag", and here's the website:http://www.luggageworksonline.com/product.asp?CatID=1

Can anyone comment on these bags, especially the comparison to Travelpro? The metal frame is a big plus, but the price is about $100 more than a T-pro.

They are the choice at my airline as well. The company will fix anything and even give you a loaner while they do so. They can take an absolute pounding and every part is easily replacable.
Well worth the investment if you ask me. Also they have a 737 version of the stealth that fits under the 737 jumpseat. Pretty much an all around amazing piece of luggage.

The best bag I ever owned was the Samsonite hardside ( I think it's called the ellipse) rollaboard with an elliptical, collapsable handle and a bag strap that retracts and has a hook on the end.

I flew with that bag over 1.75 million miles in over 8 1/2 years. I overstuffed it and forced it closed which broke one of the latches.

I have a luggageworks bag now and can't stand it. I could fit up to 4 days of winter clothes (jacket, shoes, sweater, shirts and undies) in my samsonite. With the luggageworks bag, I have to smash everything inside. Put a pair of shoes, jacket and rolled up jeans in, and the rest ends up wrinkled.

I can't fit my luggageworks bag in a center bin of a 767, but the samsonite does so easily. Both bags have the same dimensions in height and interior space, but the samsonite was easier to pack (dual sided) and much easier to store onboard, especially if you jumpseat at all, or are the last one to board

I have one of these bags. Purdyneatstuff is the name. I used to go through one Travelpro per year. I have had my Purdyneatstuff bag for five years now and going strong. The extra dollars spent is definitely worth it. Last I knew, you had to work for an airline to buy one. I am not sure if this is still the case.

I have had mine for 5 years and it is just starting to break in!! The only negative I can think of is that the screws need fairly frequent tightening. There are different sizes and I think I have the smallest one.

Any bag is a compromise and these are no exception. But they are very durable and made of high-quality material. When I flew in Europe I had a Samsonite which was really flimsy and the zipper broke very quickly.

These Purdyneatthings bags are made to last and be abused. Mine is exactly like the picture on top.

Quoting Aviator27 (Reply 5):I have one of these bags. Purdyneatstuff is the name. I used to go through one Travelpro per year. I have had my Purdyneatstuff bag for five years now and going strong. The extra dollars spent is definitely worth it. Last I knew, you had to work for an airline to buy one. I am not sure if this is still the case.

I've had my Travelpro for 1.5 years, and he's not kidding! The thing is aweful. It's in the shop right now for a broken handle, unstitched back pocket, toiletry bag buttons broke, the luggage strap broken, and wheels being replaced. I realize we use these bags all the time, but I expected a little more out of it.

Next bag will either be the Costco version (the one with the 5 star looking wheels mounted on the rear edges) or a Purdy Neat Stuff bag.

I have no idea if you have to work for an airline to buy one, but I'd doubt it. I will say that I've never seen a passenger with one. They also have a plastic frame version which is a lot lighter and supposedly just as durable. They also fit in a CRJ overhead.

I just spoke with a Travelpro customer service rep who told me they would not cover the damage to my bag. They are claiming it was abuse that caused it, and not a manufacturing defect.

Take that for what it's worth. My contention is that all the damage happened through normal use, and that the bag itself is defective. The type of bag I have is famous for handle problems, but mine is the only one I know of with the rear pouch breaking it's stitching.

I still recommend a shopping bag over a Travelpro any day! Not only do I feel the quality is low, but the treatment I received from their customer service was even lower.

Hi, OP here. I checked and the "Stealth Pilot Bag" is available to non-airline folks, although if you are airline you get about $30 off. I just had to fill out the airline info and base, and you can then log in to get the reduced prices.

I am thinking more and more about pulling the trigger on this. I figure ten years out of this thing, so about $27 a year for a great, fixable bag. Plus, the reputation of these things is legendary. See for yourself the next time you fly, chances are your pilots will have one of these metal framed bags.

It is hands down the toughest bag for a road warrior. It will go for years and years. Then when the zippers break or the wheel bearings go out you just send it in for a rework. For not much money they overhaul your beat up bag and send back something that looks brand new. And the overhauled bag will go at least another 5 years.

One word: Costco. I have gone through SO many Purdyneat bags I've lost count. Hands down, the best bag I've ever owned is the Kirkland brand roll aboard. It is WAY lighter, and simply refuses to break......oh yea, unlimited no questions asked free replacement warranty. It simply can't be beat. No "sending in for repairs- get a loaner" headaches. If ANYTHING happens to it EVER, take it back and get a new one for free. Oh yea, the price? $89. There are so many crew members using the Coscto bag here at WN it's become a challenge at times when getting out of the crew van to identify which one is yours! Check it out and trust me on this one........

The Costco Kirkland Signature Executive 22" Carry-On (*est. $110) is worth examining if you have access to a Costco warehouse. It is also available online on the Costco Web site. Non-members pay an extra 5%. Besides the affordable price, it has a lifetime warranty (which does not include wear and tear). It also has a nice bundle of extras: A suit carrier, two elastic pockets and a full-length zippable compartment. The Kirkland is expandable, and has two adjustable packing straps. However, at 14 pounds, this bag is heavier than most.

Every Pilot I've talked to loves those bags. They're virtually indestructible. I've pulled a lot of bags apart in my days as a ramper, but I've never broken this model. On top of that, I've seen a lot of pilots get their names embroidered in the top handle, and I think that's a pretty neat feature.

Yeah they are quite heavy. I was carrying one up some stairs for an FO friend and it smacked me in the shins. I had one heck of a bruise. Beware if you travel lots on Asian or European carriers they are carryon bag weight nazis. I had to take everything out of my travelpro overnighter/laptop case. All I had left was my laptop sans accessories and the bag and it was still 0.8 Kg overweight.

The Purdy Neat is a great bag. I just started with an airline but did my research before purchasing a rollaboard. The results overwhelming pointed to the Purdy Neat, instead of the Travel Pro or anything else. The bag truly is indestructable but a little on the heavy side. Get it!

I use one as the TPRO is a piece of junk. After 6 months it was completely falling apart. I have the 22" one and the manufacturer is Luggage Works. It is a little heavier, but it is worth the $280 you spend for it. They definitely are worth it, however, as crewmembers we try to have different bags than Joe Schmow on the street, so that is why we order the really expnsive rollaboards.

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